Need a job but finding it hard to meet with that future employer?<!—->.

Wednesday, March 28, 2001

Need a job but finding it hard to meet with that future employer?

Then attend Operation: Be Proud’s job fair in Ironton on Friday.

"We’re doing a mini job fair, to promote area businesses, local business, area hospitals and our workforce," said Susan Taylor, OBP’s activities director.

The job fair – which will feature Applied Card, Liebert, Oak Ridge Treatment Center, OLBH, King’s Daughters, a Portsmouth technology company called Primerica, other companies and local universities – will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the OBP Enrichment Center, 628 S. Ninth St. in Ironton.

"We just thought let’s do something to try and promote some of us who lost jobs or are looking for jobs," Mrs. Taylor said. "It was a great idea before the hospital closed and now it’s still great."

OBP discussed the idea at its last board meeting in January, then contacted the companies and hospitals – telling them they can find their workforce right here in Ironton, she said.

The group also invited universities to come armed with information about different programs for those who want to further their education or look for a different career, she added.

OBP and its Enrichment Center often develop programs for children and families, and the job fair will become a positive benefit for those groups as well, Mrs. Taylor said.

"I thought we should do something for our community," she said, adding that helping parents find jobs helps children in the long run.

"It’s all good for the whole family."

The organization would like to continue a job fair each year, maybe one in the spring and one in the fall, Mrs. Taylor said.

It would serve as a place for those graduating to start looking toward their future, and link businesses with prospective employees, she said.

"Maybe some would get their workforce pool in Ironton," she added. "This is where the best is at."

The job fair is free and open to anyone. For more information, contact OBP at 534-9980.